Brown, owed more than $3.6 million, is signed through 2014. His salary next season is $6 million.

According to the website Pro Football Focus, Brown has played 269 plays this season and graded out poorly as a pass blocker but very well in run-blocking.

The Steelers are seeking to upgrade over Mike Adams, whose disappointing season continued with a rough day working against Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen in Week 4. The Steelers have been rotating in Kelvin Beachum with Adams and right tackle Marcus Gilbert.

Brown was a first-round pick (fifth overall) in 2007 and was with the Cardinals when current Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley held the same job in Arizona (2007-08). His learning curve should be rapid. The Steelers are entering their bye week and return to the field Oct. 13, playing the New York Jets in New Jersey.

Bradley Sowell is the Cardinals' projected starter at left tackle with Brown gone.